Your cortisol levels rise as time passes, and your assignments and tasks pile up. Life feels like a never-ending cycle of finishing something and then getting five more things to do with not a single break in between. You feel like you need more energy and motivation to do what you have to do. Your cup of coffee or energy drink is no longer enough to get you through the day. Nevertheless, these assignments and projects will not be finished on their own. What to do?
Data from the Healthy Minds Network’s shows that 34% of college students experience moderate or severe anxiety symptoms. That means that at least one of every three students suffers from moderate to extreme anxiety, not counting episodic or temporal anxiety issues, such as finals season. As the contents of classes get more challenging, you may feel overwhelmed by all the things you have to think about: a good GPA, keeping a healthy lifestyle, future steps in your career and actually trying to learn what you are taught, especially in classes regarding your major. While social media posts may make it seem easy to find a balance in college life, finding that balance is not the same for everyone.
Still, it is possible to win the battle against academic stress.
First, it is crucial to maintain momentum. Some might think that motivation is the most important fuel to finish what you have to, but in reality, we cannot always have motivation; it is like being happy all the time, which is impossible. Instead, discipline is the key to (as long as it is not harmful). The amount of willpower you are willing to use to achieve your goals determines whether you accomplish what you want.
Structuring time is different for each of us: Some might decide to follow a strict daily schedule, others might prefer to get hard things done first and then the easier ones at the end of the day and still others simply go with the flow of their mind. When it comes to studying, you may consider techniques such as , the or to better focus on something. Whatever you choose to do, never forget to get the most important details down: due dates for assignments, upcoming tests and other steps or requirements you may need. Be clear on what you have to do, and do it. Consider counting to three and start doing it if you do not feel like starting.
It is also essential to take breaks. A quote attributed to street artist Banksy says: "If you get tired, learn to rest, not to quit.” Learning how to energize yourself properly is the best thing you can do. I am not talking about through your phone or switching to another assignment. should give your brain the time it needs to process all the information you learned, and that means doing activities that don’t take too much “brain energy.” Taking a 20- to 30-minute nap, laying down, walking outside, exercising or simply sitting and thinking about nothing for a good while can help you much more than watching the latest episode of your favorite TV series or YouTuber. Other activities you can do on campus are talking with other students, visiting museums (like the Harrigan Hall Art Gallery or the exhibit at the Center for Adventist Research), playing music at the music building and so much more. Make sure not to use breaks as excuses to procrastinate, but never work endlessly.
Taking care of yourself mentally, physically and spiritually is essential. Do NOT forget about drinking at least every day to avoid dehydration, eating a so you don’t miss any of the minerals and vitamins that are needed for your body to function correctly, a little bit daily to keep your heart sending oxygen to your brain and taking a day off if you start to feel ill—the latter will not only prevent the spread of diseases but will allow you to rest and heal.
Do not let stress make you believe you are incapable or dumb. What you need the most is a mentality of support, compassion and perseverance. Understand that you are a human, someone learning new things daily and facing challenges of different sizes. You are not perfect, but powerful enough to do what you must. Getting into prayer or can help you get a better mentality and understanding of your current situation and how to move forward as you slow down and think carefully about everything going on.
Needing help does not make you less independent or weak. Whenever you feel like you cannot handle a situation or the stress that comes with it, talk with a friend or therapist about it (you might consider the Counseling & Testing Center, which is included with tuition). Talk with your professors or academic advisor if accommodations and extensions are needed, and communicate with them if you have any doubts. Asking for help is better than trying to solve everything on your own.
Academic stress is real, and almost everyone has gone through it at some point in their student lives. However, how we face those challenges is more important than how they affect us. Believe in the process: Set a clear mindset, establish balance, take care of yourself, get help if needed, and you most likely will get things done.
Do not let the semester end you. Be the one who ends the semester.
The Student Movement is the official student newspaper of 老司机传媒. Opinions expressed in the Student Movement are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors, 老司机传媒 or the Seventh-day Adventist church.